* * Salvation is not to be analyzed but rather to be realized. * * * *
AN EASTERN SHEPHERD An eastern shepherd led his sheep T'ward a river's bank But when they saw the stream was broad Their hearts with fear did shrink; And though the shepherd went across In view of all the sheep, They did not dare to follow him And ford the waters deep. And so he took a little lamb Right from its mother's side. He clasped it in his sheltering arm And with it crossed the tide. The mother, missing what she loved, Was eager now to gain The distant shore, that she might find Her precious lamb again. She quickly made her way across And soon the stream she passed, Other sheep quickly followed her 'Till all had crossed at last. She found the lamb which she had lost, Within the shepherd's care, And he had used her little one In leading many there. Oh, parent,- has your little lamb Been carried on before? The Shepherd wants to have you, too, Upon the farther shore. And so He clasped your treasured one Unto His sheltering breast, That you might come and seek it there And find in Him your rest. * One reason for poor preaching in the pulpit is because of poor praying in the pew. * * * * *
HE'S HOME AT LAST! Safe Home at last; Oh, say not he has died. His soul has only crossed the swell ing tide. And Heaven's gates for him have opened wide— He's Home at last! A true and valiant warrior of the Faith, Proclaiming Christ e'en with his lat est breath, Has laid his armor down. Call it not death! He's Home at last! He now beholds, with eyes un dimmed by tears, The face of Him who through the passing years, Has been his stay, dispelling doubt and fear. He's Home at last! And though his going leaves a void within Our lonely hearts, we can rejoice with him; His race is run, Heav'n's glory he hast seen. He's Home at last! At Home, with those on earth he loved so well. Who now within the walls of jasper dwell, Oh, bliss beyond all mortal pow'r to tell! He's Home at last! Life's sun for him has set— but oh, the glow That long will linger o'er this world of woe, Because he lived and labored here below! He's Home at last! — Avis B. Christiansen
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